Lens Types and Technology

Lens Types at A Glance

Understanding which lens design fits your vision and lifestyle can make a big difference in comfort and clarity. Here's a quick breakdown:

Single Vision Lenses

• Best for: Nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia)

• What they do: Provide clear focus at one distance—either up close, far away, or in between

• Why choose them: Simple, straightforward optics for everyday use

Progressive Lenses (No-Line Multifocals)

• Best for: Presbyopia or anyone who needs help seeing at multiple distances

• What they do: Blend distance, intermediate, and near vision in one lens—without visible lines

• Why choose them: Smooth, natural transitions from looking far away to reading up close

Bifocal & Trifocal Lenses

• Best for: Presbyopia with distinct tasks (like reading and driving)

• What they do: Provide defined segments for near and distance vision (bifocal) or near, intermediate, and distance (trifocal)

• Why choose them: Easy to know exactly where to look for each task

Occupational / Task-Specific Lenses

• Best for: Computer users, desk work, crafting, or other jobs with specific visual demands

• What they do: Offer wider intermediate and near zones tailored to your work environment

• Why choose them: Reduce eye strain and improve clarity for the tasks you do most

Not sure which lens type is right for you? The team at Edge Optics in Fort Collins can help you choose based on your prescription, daily activities, and comfort preferences.

How Lenses Are Made

At Edge Optics in Fort Collins, we make your eyeglasses lenses right in our store-ensuring accuracy and clear vision. Watch this video to see how it's done.

Advanced Lens Materials: Comfort, Durability, and Clarity

High-Index Lenses

• Key features: Thinner and lighter than standard lenses

• Best for: Strong prescriptions (high myopia or hyperopia) where regular lenses would be thick and heavy

• Why choose them: Slimmer profile, more frame options, and better aesthetics for higher Rx

Polycarbonate Lenses

• Key features: Highly impact-resistant and lightweight

• Best for: Kids, athletes, active lifestyles, and safety eyewear

• Why choose them: Durable enough to handle drops, sports, and rough use—built-in UV protection

Trivex Lenses

• Key features: Impact-resistant with excellent optical clarity, very lightweight

• Best for: Safety glasses, premium sports eyewear, and anyone who wants top-tier optics with durability

• Why choose them: Combines the best of both worlds—sharp vision and strong protection

Standard Plastic (CR-39) Lenses

• Key features: Good optical quality at a lower price point

• Best for: Low-to-moderate prescriptions and budget-conscious wearers

• Why choose them: Affordable and effective for everyday use—though thicker and less impact-resistant than other options

The material your lenses are made from affects more than you might think—weight, thickness, impact resistance, and optical clarity all depend on it. The right material can make your glasses lighter, thinner, safer, and more comfortable for all-day wear. Here's what to know about each option:

Keep in mind: Lens material also affects which coatings you can add and how lenses fit in certain frame styles. The team at Edge Optics in Fort Collins can help you match the right material to your prescription, lifestyle, and safety needs.

Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating

• What it does: Reduces reflections and glare on the lens surface

• Best for: Night drivers, photographers, and anyone who spends a lot of time in front of screens

• Why choose it: Boosts contrast, reduces eye strain, and makes your lenses nearly invisible to others

Lens Coatings & Enhancements for Better Vision

Coatings and enhancements fine-tune your lenses for real-life use—reducing glare, blocking harmful light, adapting to changing conditions, and protecting your eyes. The right combination can make a noticeable difference in comfort, clarity, and how long your lenses last.

Here's a breakdown of the most common options:

Not sure which coatings you need? The team at Edge Optics in Fort Collins can recommend the right combination based on your daily activities, work environment, and lifestyle.

Blue Light Filter

• What it does: Reduces short-wavelength blue light from screens and digital devices

• Best for: Heavy computer, phone, and tablet users

• Why choose it: May reduce digital eye strain and improve comfort during long screen sessions

Scratch-Resistant Coating

• What it does: Hardens the lens surface to resist everyday wear and abrasions

• Best for: Everyday wearers who want their lenses to last longer

• Why choose it: Protects your investment and keeps lenses clear over time

Photochromic Lenses (Light-Adaptive)

• What it does: Automatically darkens outdoors in UV light, then clears up indoors

• Best for: People who move frequently between indoors and outdoors

• Why choose it: Convenience of glasses and sunglasses in one—no switching required

Polarized Lenses

• What it does: Blocks horizontal glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads

• Best for: Hikers, drivers, skiers, and water sport enthusiasts

• Why choose it: Sharper vision and reduced eye fatigue in bright, reflective conditions

UV Protection

• What it does: Blocks harmful UVA and UVB radiation from the sun

• Best for: All outdoor enthusiasts—especially important at Colorado's high elevation

• Why choose it: Protects your eyes from long-term sun damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration

What Our Team Will Ask You

To recommend the right lenses, we'll learn about:

• Your daily activities (computer use, driving, outdoor recreation)

• Your prescription strength and vision needs

• Any past issues with lenses (trouble adapting, eye strain, discomfort)

• Your environment (high altitude, glare, reflective surfaces)

• Your frame and style preferences (lightweight, thin profile, durability)

From there, we'll match you with the right lens design, material, and coatings—so everything works together for your lifestyle.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Lenses?

Skip the confusion. Schedule a lens consultation at Edge Optics in Fort Collins and let our experts guide you to the right lens technology for your vision, your activities, and your life.

Frequently asked questions

What factors does Edge Optics' opticians consider when choosing lens coatings for me?

We start with how you spend your day. If you drive at night, anti-reflective coatings help by cutting glare. If you work long hours at a screen, a blue-light filter plus AR can ease digital fatigue. If you’re outdoors a lot, make UV protection and either photochromic or polarized options priorities. Match coatings to activity and environment to get the best everyday result. Our expert opticians will ask you lifestyle questions to ensure you get the right lens to fit your needs.

How will your team know if I need specialized lenses for my profession?

We will ask you whether your work requires prolonged fine focus or specific viewing distances. Jobs with lots of screen time or bench work benefit from occupational lenses with larger intermediate zones. Drivers and outdoor professionals may need polarized or impact-resistant lenses. A quick consult with one of our eye care professionals at Edge Optics can pinpoint the lens design that suits your job demands.

Can children benefit from advanced lens technologies?

Absolutely. Children gain safety and durability from impact-resistant options like polycarbonate, and UV protection is important for growing eyes. Blue-light filters make sense as kids use screens more for learning and play. Be sure to maintain consistency with your child's regular eye exams at Edge Optics so lenses evolve with their needs.

What are the advantages of polarized lenses for outdoor activities?

Polarized lenses cut glare from horizontal surfaces like water, snow, and roads, improving comfort, contrast, and perceived depth. They’re especially useful for driving, fishing, skiing, and any activity involving reflective surfaces. For those who spend a lot of time in bright, reflective environments, polarized lenses greatly improve visibility and comfort.

How often should I update my eyewear prescription?

We generally recommend checking your prescription every one to two years, or sooner if you notice vision changes. Age, lifestyle shifts, or new visual symptoms can mean you need updates more frequently. Regular eye exams keep your prescription current and catch health issues early.

What should I expect during a lens fitting appointment?

During a fitting we’ll verify your prescription, measure how your frames sit on your face, and set lens zones for progressives or occupational designs. We’ll review material and coating choices based on your routine and comfort goals, then make any frame adjustments needed. The result is eyewear that looks right and performs the way you expect.